Graduation Term

2024

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Sociology and Anthropology: Sociology

Committee Chair

Jason Whitesel

Abstract

Negative body image affects countless young American women and can lead to serious eating concerns if overlooked. A young girl may develop negative body image if she is pressured to fit into dominant social appearance standards perpetuated by the media and social groups such as her friends, peers, and family, especially her mother. One relationship that remains underexplored is that between mothers and daughters, specifically regarding young adult women and their retrospective thoughts on their mothers’ influence on their self-presentation at a young age. This study uses qualitative interviews and content analysis of transcribed interview texts, focusing on maternal influence as it relates to college-age women. It aims to explain, through a sociological lens, why the media, friends, and specifically mothers have such a lasting impact on women’s body image and eating patterns. The current research shows that comments and actions by either of the three groups impact a young woman not only at the time of the occurrence, but also later in one’s life. Interview data indicate that of the three groups, comments and actions from mothers are the most influential due to gender solidarity, the mother-daughter bond, and the impressionable age at which the comments and actions occurred. The findings contribute to understanding the complex dynamics of body image concerns. They offer insight into the damaging communication of mothers to their young daughters. It is the current researcher’s hope that these findings can be translated into action that will promote healthier body image development among young women.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2024.20240827063556688470.999991

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